Name: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

If you love the buttery, boldly seasoned rice that comes alongside your favorite steakhouse meals, this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice lets you bring that flavor home any night of the week. Tender long-grain rice is simmered in chicken broth with warm spices, aromatics, and just enough richness to make every bite taste like it came straight from the restaurant kitchen.

It’s an easy one-pot side dish that pairs with everything from grilled steak and chicken to pork chops and fish. The best part? You control the salt, spice, and ingredients, so it’s budget-friendly, weeknight-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

This seasoned rice has all the cozy, comforting vibes of eating out—without leaving your kitchen. The rice gets its gorgeous golden color and deep flavor from a combination of chicken broth, paprika, turmeric, garlic, onion, and butter. Every grain turns out fluffy and flavorful instead of plain or bland.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a simple side with steak, spoon it under grilled shrimp or chicken, or turn leftovers into a quick rice bowl with veggies and protein. Because it’s made in one pot, cleanup is minimal, and you can keep it warm on the stove while you finish the rest of dinner.

What Rice Works Best for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice?

Long-grain white rice is the best choice for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and separate, not sticky or gluey. It absorbs broth and seasoning beautifully, which means every grain carries flavor. Avoid using short-grain or sushi rice here—they’re designed to be sticky and will change the texture of the dish.

If you want to experiment, you can use jasmine rice for a slightly more fragrant result, but be sure to rinse it well and keep a close eye on the liquid so it doesn’t overcook. Brown rice can work with extra broth and a longer simmer time, but it won’t taste quite as close to the restaurant version.

Ingredients for the Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

This recipe uses basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand. In this section, we’ll talk about why each ingredient matters so you can make smart substitutions if needed. We’ll add the exact measurements for each ingredient in the printable recipe card at the end.

Long-grain white rice – The star of the dish, long-grain rice cooks up fluffy and separate while soaking in all the broth and spices.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and that unmistakable steakhouse flavor, helping the rice taste luxurious instead of plain.
Olive oil – Helps the butter cook without burning and gives the rice a silky, glossy finish.
Yellow onion – Brings sweet, savory depth to the rice and mimics that signature restaurant aroma.
Fresh garlic – Infuses the rice with warm, garlicky flavor that complements grilled meats and hearty mains.
Low-sodium chicken broth – The cooking liquid that gives the rice its savory, meaty flavor. Using low-sodium lets you control the salt.
Soy sauce – Adds a subtle umami backbone and boosts the color, making the rice taste even more restaurant-style.
Paprika – Provides a gentle smokiness and beautiful color that helps the rice look and taste like the Texas Roadhouse version.
Turmeric – Gives the rice its warm golden hue and a mild earthy note.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness from the butter and broth.
Black pepper – Adds mild heat and aroma to keep the flavor from falling flat.
Garlic powder – Layers extra garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder – Backs up the fresh onion and helps season every bite evenly.
Cayenne pepper (optional) – Brings a subtle kick of heat for those who like their seasoned rice with a little spice.
Fresh parsley – Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish.

How To Make the Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

This seasoned rice comes together in one pot on the stovetop, making it a low-effort, high-reward side dish. Take your time with the onion and garlic at the beginning—building flavor there is the secret to rice that tastes truly restaurant-worthy.

Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Rice

Place the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess surface starch so the rice cooks up fluffy instead of sticky. Let it drain well while you start the aromatics.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics in Butter and Oil

In a medium to large saucepan with a lid, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and slightly foamy. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent with lightly golden edges. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—this releases flavor without letting the garlic burn.

Step 3: Toast the Rice with the Spices

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan with the onion and garlic. Stir to coat every grain in the butter and oil. Sprinkle in the paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toast the rice and spices together for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice smells nutty and the spices look glossy and aromatic.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Soy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring well to loosen any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Taste the liquid carefully and adjust the seasoning if needed, keeping in mind that some of the liquid will reduce as the rice cooks and the flavors will concentrate.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture just to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer gently for about 18–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as that lets steam escape and can lead to uneven cooking.

Step 6: Steam and Fluff

Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat and leave it covered for 5–10 minutes. This rest time allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and helps the grains firm up so they don’t break when you fluff them.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve

Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork, separating the grains. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then scoop into a serving bowl and garnish with extra parsley if you like. Serve warm alongside your favorite steak, chicken, or barbecue.

How Many People Does This Copycat Rice Recipe Feed?

This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice recipe makes about 6 generous side-dish servings. It’s ideal for a family dinner with a little left over, or for serving alongside a main course and another side like salad or vegetables.

If you’re feeding a crowd, the recipe doubles easily—just use a larger pot and keep the rice in a relatively even layer so it cooks through. You can also stretch it further by pairing it with hearty mains like grilled steak, baked chicken, or slow-cooked roasts.

How to Store and Reheat Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

Seasoned rice stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, flatten them for quick thawing, and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat refrigerated rice, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth over the top, then warm it gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also reheat it in the microwave: add a splash of water, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in 30–45 second bursts, fluffing in between.

If reheating from frozen, thaw the rice in the fridge overnight or break off a portion and reheat it covered with a bit of extra liquid. Add a tiny knob of butter or drizzle of olive oil just before serving to bring back the sheen and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can substitute long-grain brown rice, but you’ll need to increase both the liquid and the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40–45 minutes to simmer, and you may need an extra 1/2–1 cup of broth. The flavor will still be delicious, but the texture will be heartier and less similar to the original restaurant version.

Do I have to rinse the rice first?
Rinsing the rice is highly recommended. It removes excess starch that can make the rice gummy or clumpy. For fluffy, separate grains like you’d get at a steakhouse, rinse until the water runs clearer and drain well before cooking.

Can I make this rice less salty?
Absolutely. Use low-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium soy sauce, then add salt gradually, tasting the cooking liquid as you go. Remember that the flavors concentrate as the liquid absorbs, so slightly under-seasoning the liquid is better than overdoing it.

How spicy is the cayenne pepper?
The small amount of cayenne in this recipe adds warmth rather than intense heat. If you’re very sensitive to spice or serving kids, you can reduce it or leave it out entirely. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch more or serve the rice with crushed red pepper flakes on the side.

Can I make this seasoned rice ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great made ahead. Cook the rice, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it with a splash of broth and a small amount of butter or olive oil. Fluff well and stir in fresh parsley right before serving to make it taste freshly made.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice is on repeat at your house, you’ll love adding these other easy sides to your dinner rotation:

Try Healthy Mediterranean Rice and Beans for a protein-packed, vibrant side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and seafood.
Make Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes when you’re craving something extra garlicky and golden-crisp on the edges.
Serve Easy Southern Green Beans alongside your favorite comfort-food mains for a cozy, homestyle veggie side.
Add Butternut Squash Casserole to your holiday or Sunday dinner table for a creamy, slightly sweet side that always impresses.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice to your favorite dinner or side-dish board on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime you’re planning steak night or an easy family meal.

When you make it, let me know how it turns out—did you keep it mild, or bump up the cayenne for extra heat? Did you pair it with steak, chicken, or something totally different?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—sharing tips and tweaks helps everyone cook smarter and more confidently. And if you’re looking for even more easy recipe inspiration, you can browse my daily recipes over on Pinterest at Life With Mira.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice